To me, traveling shouldn’t just be about famous sights — you should also seek out some “other” places,
so that your memories will be even more meaningful.
Located in Nara, Mount Wakakusa isn’t a very well-known attraction, but it holds great importance for the locals of Nara Prefecture.
This is because it shares a similar tradition with Kyoto’s Mount Daimonji,
namely an annual large-scale “mountain burning” ceremony held on the fourth Saturday of January every year.
They burn the grass on the mountain and set off fireworks. Apart from being a New Year celebration, the event also serves to drive away wild boars hiding in the woods or to burn off harmful pests.
Alright — let’s depart from Kyoto via JR train !
Actually, getting to Mount Wakakusa isn’t too difficult,
as you can walk for about 40 minutes from Nara JR Station in the direction of Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine to reach it.Mount WakakusaAt the foot of the mountain.
I chose to arrive in Nara early because I could hike the mountain and still have time to stroll around and go shopping afterward !
Passed by a place that made me miss Hong Kong. (Himuro Shrine)
Got there early enough to have breakfast.
Traditional food — kakinoha sushi
You can eat the leaf too, as they say persimmon leaves have antibacterial properties.
Also, because it can be kept for 3–4 days without refrigeration,
Nara locals love bringing it along for hiking or mountain trips.
Common varieties include mackerel and salmon.
When in Nara, you’re bound to see an Ob !
Like the wanted poster of Sob.
Locally, 4–5-year-old kids call Ob “Sob” XD
While I was eating, an Ob was having a meal too.
Alright, full stomach — time to climb Mount Wakakusa !
Mount Wakakusa is mainly divided into three sections: the “First Level,” the “Second Level,” and the highest section, the “Third Level.”
The “First Level” is basically the lower part of the mountain slope,
where you walk up along a road lined with cherry blossom trees — take your time and enjoy the view.
You’ll soon reach the Second Level.
I really love how there are no high-rise buildings here, just endless traditional Japanese architecture.
Japanese people love hiking, and there are always places to rest along the way that are clean and beautiful too.
Actually, this is my third time coming here.
I’ll definitely see Ob again :D
Climbing Mount Wakakusa is really easy — most of the trail is made up of gentle grassy slopes.
So it’s not very challenging, and the mountain is only 342 meters high. If you’ve visited too many temples and don’t feel like walking around streets or shopping malls,
Mount Wakakusa is a great choice. (Just keep in mind that there’s an entrance fee: 150 yen for adults and 80 yen for children aged 3 and above.)
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Also, I highly recommend visiting major temples or places with tea huts.
You can eat there with confidence — the food is definitely delicious.